Number of liver transplants performed in the U.S. as of 2022, by state

In 2022, California had the highest number of liver transplants performed among all U.S. states. That year, there were almost 1,100 liver transplants performed in California. The state with the second highest number of liver transplants was Texas. Liver transplants are the second most common transplant in the United States behind kidney transplants.

Liver transplants in the United States

In 2021, there were just over 9,200 liver transplants carried out in the United States. Most liver transplants in the U.S. are among adults aged 50 to 64 years, with this age group accounting for around 45 percent of all liver transplants in 2022. The current need for liver transplants exceeds availability, with almost 11 thousand people in the United States waiting to receive a liver transplant. Liver transplantation is a treatment option for those suffering from end-stage chronic liver disease, in which the liver is damaged beyond repair.

Liver disease

End-stage chronic liver disease, or liver failure, has various causes including cirrhosis, hepatitis B and C, and liver cancer. Around half of all deaths in the United States caused by liver cirrhosis are related to alcohol use. Liver cirrhosis is scarring of the liver because of long-term damage. The death rate due to alcohol-related cirrhosis in the United States has increased over the past couple decades. Men are much more likely to die from liver cirrhosis than women.